As you consider purchasing a Mazda RX-8, you’re probably wondering which model years to focus on and which to avoid. The good news is that the 2009, 2010, and 2011 models stand out for their reliability and higher resale values. But what about the others? You’ll want to know why the earlier models, from 2004 to 2008, are plagued by issues like tension problems and faulty fuel pumps.
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Key Takeaways
- The 2009, 2010, and 2011 RX-8 models are the most reliable, with lower numbers of complaints and higher resale values.
- The 2004 and 2005 RX-8 models are the worst, plagued with engine and transmission issues, and have lower resale values.
- The 2010 RX-8 model has the lowest number of complaints, with only 12 reported complaints, making it the most reliable year.
- The 2004 RX-8 model has the highest failure rate due to engine problems, with an average failure rate of 4.2/10, and is a year to avoid.
- The 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 RX-8 are the worst years, with tension problems, faulty fuel pumps, and engine stalling issues.
Mazda RX-8 Generations Ranked by Reliability
When shopping for a used Mazda RX-8, understanding the generation’s reliability is crucial.
The RX-8 has a single generation from 2004 to 2011, with year-to-year tweaks making a significant difference in choosing the right model for your needs.
You’ll want to focus on the 2009, 2010, and 2011 models, ranked as the best in terms of reliability.
These RX-8 models show minimal reports of issues, making them a good choice for reliability-conscious buyers.
Be cautious of the 2004 and 2005 models, which are considered the worst in terms of reliability.
Best and Worst Model Years for Mazda RX-8 1st Generation
You’re likely curious about which model years of the 1st generation Mazda RX-8 are the most reliable and which ones to avoid, and for good reason.
The early model years, specifically 2004 and 2005, were plagued with issues, while the mid-production years saw significant improvements.
As you research, you’ll find that the final edition years, 2009 to 2011, are considered the best, with higher resale values and fewer complaints.
Early Model Issues
The Mazda RX-8’s inaugural year, 2004, proved to be a baptism by fire, with a staggering 54 complaints lodged against it. Transmission problems, hesitation, and slipping led the charge. You’ll also want to steer clear of the 2005 model year, which saw rotary engine problems causing frequent oil consumption and premature wear. Here’s a breakdown of the early model issues:
| Model Year | Complaints | Primary Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 54 | Transmission problems |
| 2005 | 43 | Rotary engine problems |
| 2007 | 24 | Rear suspension issues |
| 2009 | 14 | – |
| 2010 | 12 | – |
These early model years are riddled with engine and transmission issues, making them less reliable and more prone to repairs.
Mid-Production Improvements
Mazda RX-8’s early model issues paved the way for significant improvements down the line.
Later models, specifically the 2009 and 2010 RX-8s, benefited from these adjustments, resulting in a lower number of complaints, with 14 and 12 reports respectively.
These models offer a sweet spot between performance and reliability, making them a great choice for buyers, especially those with low mileage.
Final Edition
As the first generation of Mazda RX-8 came to a close, it’s essential to identify the best and worst model years.
The Rx8 best years are 2009, 2010, and 2011, which boast strong performance, fewer issues, and the least amount of complaints.
However, the 2010 model year faced a recall due to a faulty fuel pump, which could cause engine stalling.
This issue shouldn’t be overlooked when considering a used Rx8.
Reliability and Maintenance Costs of Mazda RX-8
As you research the reliability and maintenance costs,
you’ll find that the RX-8’s reliability rankings are influenced by engine issues, which can be expensive to fix.
You’ll likely face average annual maintenance costs of $517, with a 10-year estimate of $6,836, although some common fixes can be particularly pricey.
Reliability Rankings
When budgeting for your RX-8’s upkeep, you can expect to pay around $517 annually, which translates to a 10-year maintenance estimate of $6,836. The RX-8’s reliability rankings vary by model year, with some years standing out as more troublesome than others.
| Model Year | Failure Rate |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 8/10 |
| 2010 | 2/10 |
| 2011 | 2/10 |
| 2005-2009 | 4/10 |
| Average | 4.2/10 |
The 2004 RX-8 has the highest failure rate due to engine problems, while the 2010 and 2011 models have the lowest failure rate, making them the most reliable RX-8 models.
Engine Issues Fixes
You’ve likely factored in the reliability rankings of your Mazda RX-8, and perhaps you’re curious about addressing engine problems that can drive up maintenance costs.
To mitigate issues, prioritize oil changes and monitor oil pressure. If you own a 2004 or 2005 model, check if the MSP-16 flash update was performed using your VIN.
Consider the BHR ignition upgrade, a one-time fix that eliminates coil replacements, which Mazda doesn’t acknowledge as a wear item.
Fixing cold start problem can be as simple as replacing the starter or battery, and some owners have reported success with these solutions.
Maintenance Costs
How much can you expect to shell out for maintenance on your Mazda RX-8?
On average, you’ll pay $517 annually and $6,836 over 10 years.
Be aware that catalytic converter, powertrain control module, and air conditioning expansion valve replacements are common costly fixes.
If you own a 2004 RX-8, you’re in for a rough ride, with reports of engine problems and a typical repair bill of $2,050.
On the bright side, the 2010 and 2011 RX-8 models are the Best Years, with zero reports and only four complaints each with the NHTSA, making them the most dependable RX models.
NHTSA Reviews and Complaints for Mazda RX-8
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reviews and complaints for the Mazda RX-8 reveal a mixed bag of issues.
You’ll notice that the 2010 and 2011 RX-8 models show up, with four complaints each filed with the NHTSA, primarily involving clutch pedal mounting bracket snapping and suspension issues.
On the other hand, the 2004 RX-8 stands out as the most troubled model year, with eight reports of engine failure and other complaints.
The NHTSA research suggests that the 2010 and 2011 RX-8s are the most dependable, despite some recalls and complaints.
Mazda RX-8 Model Year Reliability Rankings
Four model years stand out in terms of reliability: 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2004, but for opposite reasons.
You’ll find the 2009-2011 models stand tall as the most reliable RX-8 years, with the best resale values and fewest complaints.
On the other hand, the 2004 RX-8 model year had the highest number of complaints.
The 2010 model year had the lowest number of complaints, with 12 reported complaints, making it one of the best years for the RX-8.
The Most Reliable Mazda RX-8 Model Years
When shopping for a used Mazda RX-8, you’ll want to focus on the 2009, 2010, and 2011 models, as they’re considered the most reliable with lower numbers of issues and higher resale values.
The 2009 RX-8, in particular, saw improvements in fuel economy.
The 2010 model year had the lowest number of reported complaints, with only 12, and the 2011 had just 6, making it one of the most reliable years.
Additionally, the 2010 and 2011 models show zero reports on CarComplaints, indicating their reliability.
Furthermore, these most reliable Mazda RX-8 years are your best bet.
Mazda RX-8 Resale Values by Model Year
You’ve narrowed down your search to a used Mazda RX-8, and now you’re wondering about its resale value. The model year significantly affects resale values, with the best years boasting higher prices. Here’s a breakdown of resale values by model year | resale value
———|————-
2004 | $4,300
2007 | $25,500
2010 | $14,000
2011 | $15,000
The 2009-2011 models stand out for their high resale values, while the 2004-2005 models are best avoided. Keep in mind that certain RX models, like the 1993 RX-7, can sell for as high as $61,000.
What to Avoid: The Least Reliable Mazda RX-8 Model Years
How reliable is your Mazda RX-8? You might want to check the model year.
The 2004 model year is the worst, with 54 reported complaints, mostly related to transmission issues and rotary engine problems.
It’s followed by the 2005 model year, which has 43 reported complaints, primarily due to oil consumption and premature wear of the rotary engine.
Other years to avoid are 2007, with rear suspension problems, and 2010, with faulty fuel pumps leading to engine stalling.
If you can, steer clear of these worst years for a more reliable Mazda RX-8 experience.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Mazda 2, Mazda MX 5, Mazda 5 and Mazda CX-5. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
